priest

noun

ˈprēst How to pronounce priest (audio)
Definition of priestnext
as in preacher
a person specially trained and authorized to conduct religious services in a Christian church searched for a priest who could perform an exorcism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of priest Nalwamba previously served as a priest at Resurrection Anglican Fellowship in Greenwood Village for approximately 15 years. — Tori Mason, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 Traditionally, a karasunk was observed not only for birth and deaths but also for newlyweds and even for newly ordained priests. — Shushan Karapetian, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 Seven women are ordained as Catholic priests aboard a boat on the Danube River on June 29, 2009. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a Facebook statement, identifying him as the parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro Church in its Central Vicariate. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for priest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for priest
  1. preacher
  2. cleric
  3. clergyman
  4. bishop
  5. minister
  6. deacon
  7. pastor
  8. reverend
Noun
  • But DeFalco is drawn to the sidewalk dwellers, street preachers and parking-lot boozers who also lurk down there and help (or hinder) Ten, usually at a loud volume.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Hollander plays Judge Jack Taylor, an authoritative man who weighs his words carefully, possessing both the warmth and charm of a country preacher and the cold edge of a cult leader.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of preacher
Noun
  • For the same reasons little dogs appeared so frequently at the feet of dead women (and clerics) in tomb sculpture, plenty of Renaissance portraits feature them as a symbol of fidelity.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Attendance was mandatory, but a cleric with a loudspeaker tried to give the event a festive air.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of cleric
Noun
  • Without the charismatic clergyman, what kind of unruly Black-underclass anger would take the stage?
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
  • When Yakovlev mentioned the clergyman who attended the death-bed, Adelaide expressed surprise that John had asked to see a pastor.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of clergyman
Noun
  • Essential California asked the bishop about his letter and the church’s role in the immigration debate while checking in with a couple of Catholic scholars who offered their perspectives.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Asked whether the White House had or hadn't received the bishop's consent for releasing the photos and video, the press office declined to answer that question.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of bishop
Noun
  • Their representatives spoke after meeting with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu earlier Monday, before the ministers’ news conference.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • He was reelected four years later and was succeeded by one of his cabinet ministers, Dilma Rousseff, in 2010.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of minister
Noun
  • These female bishops, in turn, ordained more women as deacons, priests and bishops.
    — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The youngest, a middle-school basketball coach who’s thinking about becoming a deacon or pastor, isn’t sure.
    — Eric Lau, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of deacon
Noun
  • Finally, Ricky Turner, the church’s pastor, called him up to stand by the podium.
    — Emma Green, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2026
  • But the megachurch pastor has also repeatedly criticized former President Joe Biden’s handling of the border.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of pastor
Noun
  • But my little Outlander sweeties, this is not just any reverend, this is Reverend Wakefield.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2026
  • However, a reverend in Zambia — Billiance Chondwe — says he's noticed a change.
    — Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 18 June 2026
Definition of reverend

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Cite this Entry

“Priest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/priest. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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